North East meets Mid West
Being our first exchange we were nervous, we have since learned a lot from the experience. Involving the participants and their parents as soon as possible proved very successful for us. Read More….

Youth leaders from Limerick and Flintshire met at a contact making seminar and realised that their groups had many common interests.

Preperation
There was constant communication with the partner group via telephone and email during the preparation stage where both partners got to know more abut each others way of working and organisation’s. The Advance Planning visit was a vital part of the planning process – it gave a chance for all leaders to sit around a table and sort out procedures/child protection/programme planning.

It was stressed to participants from the beginning that the exchange was not just about a trip away but a process of learning spanning from the beginning of the preparation to the end of the second leg of the exchange.

During the exchange
The groups integrated very successfully. The first day saw the expected shyness and embarrassment however by the end of the first day the groups were already working well together. The initial workshops broke the ice and encouraged groups to venture away from their comfort zones and introduce themselves to new people. The programme of activities was varied and exciting and allowed the young people see a new country, make new friends, and learn about culture and traditions whilst having fun. “The participants all felt that they gained some insight into how our differences can be managed and dealt with”

- back to top